Day off for New Year’s Day in Tonga ― Date, History, and Details
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History of Day off for New Year’s Day in Tonga and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
New Year’s Day has been celebrated in Tonga for centuries. It marks the first day of the new lunar cycle, which is observed by the Tui Tonga dynasty, the traditional rulers of Tonga. This holiday is a time for families to come together and celebrate the start of a new year. Traditionally, the celebration begins on the evening of December 31st, when Tongans gather at the royal palace, or Malae, to mark the occasion with traditional song and dance. During the night, feasts are shared and gifts are exchanged.
On New Year’s Day, most Tongans take the day off from work and school to spend time with family and friends. Many will travel to their home villages to visit relatives and enjoy a feast prepared by the elders of the village. Some may also go to the beach or participate in sporting events such as rugby or cricket matches. At night, fireworks are often set off to signify the start of the new year and bring luck for the coming year.
The celebration of New Year’s Day in Tonga is an important tradition and is a time for families to come together and reflect on the past year while looking forward to the future. It is a time to show gratitude for the blessings of the previous year and look ahead to what the next year may bring.